WALES touched down in Moscow last night hoping to complete a mission behind enemy lines as Mark Hughes' men go toe to toe with the mighty Russians in their own back yard.

The threat of sub zero temperatures reaching minus 10 seems very unlikely in the Russian capital on match day.

The wind factor has kept temperatures just above zero although the weather forecast for the Russian capital tomorrow could see a dip to minus two degrees come local kick-off time of 7pm (4pm, GMT).

Welsh captain Gary Speed realises Wales are 90 minutes from glory or heartache with so much depending on the first leg at the Locomotiv Stadium.

"Let's be honest, we need a good result tomorrow so we can be high on confidence for the Wednesday game," admitted Speed.

"And that's as far as we are thinking right now.

"The play-off is symbolic for such a great servant to Welsh football Mark Hughes is. He had such a great playing career but never made it to a championship finals.

"Making it as manager of the Welsh side would not just be fantastic for him, but let's face it, for everyone in Wales.

"It's been a long time since Wales have been in a championship finals.

"And hopefully off the back of the efforts of the national rugby team's heroics in the Rugby World Cup, Welsh sport is on the up, and maybe we can go that extra step.

"The rugby team have a lot of young players to build with, and it's the same type of thing in this camp. We realise that depending on what happens tomorrow, it could be a springboard for thousands of youngsters in the future."

On the eve of their biggest day in Welsh football history, Newcastle United midfielder Speed is sticking with his theory the best form of defence in Moscow is attack.

"We know what we have to do," said Speed. "If you go out for a draw, then you become your own worst enemy. It simply invites pressure onto you and plays into the opposition's hands.

"If we get at them, they might not be used to that and we have the players to do that."

Speed has sought the advice of clubmate and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, who lost 4-2 (away) and then drew (1-1) at home during the qualifying stages.

"Shay said they were strong at home and deserved the win. But in Dublin they should have won," added Speed.